South African homeowners can now access energy and carbon ratings for their existing homes, thanks to a partnership between Standard Bank’s LookSee and SANEDI. This initiative helps households enhance efficiency and cut costs.
Mounting electricity costs are squeezing household budgets in South Africa. With climate change an ever-pressing concern and a national target to cut residential energy use by 33%, the urgency for smarter energy usage is undeniable.
A groundbreaking initiative now offers homeowners a practical way to act while aligning with the country’s energy goals. For the first time, South Africans can obtain an official energy and carbon rating for their existing homes, presenting a clear vision of household electricity efficiency and carbon emissions.
This is made possible by a partnership between Standard Bank’s home efficiency platform, LookSee, and the South African National Energy Development Institute (SANEDI), the government’s lead agency for sustainable energy efforts.
"An energy rating highlights how efficiently your home uses electricity compared to similar houses, while a carbon rating shows your household’s carbon footprint based on energy consumption and renewable energy contributions," says Marc du Plessis, Executive Head of LookSee.
Home energy audits
In the past, energy-efficiency ratings were limited to appliance purchases or newly built eco-friendly housing developments. But today, thanks to smart data, such as monthly electricity bills, solar inverter outputs, and satellite imagery, assessing the energy performance of homes across South Africa is possible, all without intrusive inspections.
Homes receive an A–F rating:
The pioneering energy rating system uses a scale from A to F, where an A rating signals excellent energy efficiency and reduced carbon emissions, indicating that a property is energy-smart and environmentally friendly.
As ratings move down the scale towards F, they identify specific areas for improvement alongside practical, cost-saving solutions that homeowners can implement to improve their property's performance and potentially reduce substantial electricity bills.
"Think of it like a scorecard for your home. Knowing how your energy use compares makes it easier to make informed decisions that save costs and reduce your carbon footprint," Du Plessis explains.
Households drive national energy impact
This initiative is about more than just household savings; it supports South Africa’s goal to reduce residential sector energy use by 33%.
"We cannot meet our national energy objectives without the residential sector," says Faith Mkhacwa, General Manager for Energy Efficiency at SANEDI. "When millions of households make small, informed changes, the impact is enormous. This initiative empowers that transformation through visibility and reliable data."
By collecting accurate energy data, the programme paves the way for smarter national energy policies and a stronger, sustainable power grid.
Public-private partnerships: The key to change
The collaboration between SANEDI and LookSee underscores the need for both public and private sectors to address South Africa’s energy challenges effectively.
"When the public and private sectors unite, we move faster and more effectively," Mkhacwa explains. "Standard Bank provides scale and reach; SANEDI brings technical expertise and policy alignment. Together, we empower more households to make an impact."
These collaborations are integral to South Africa’s energy transition, ensuring individual actions align with broader national goals.
Financial benefits for families
For households, the immediate advantage of energy efficiency is financial.
"Energy-efficient changes don’t require massive investments initially. Actions like turning off unnecessary lights, managing geyser usage, or upgrading appliances can significantly lower bills over time," advise experts.
For those ready to go further, the programme offers incentives like a savings guarantee and cashback offers for Standard Bank home loan customers, making solar adoption and system upgrades more accessible.
"We understand energy costs are a major concern," says Du Plessis. "That’s why we’re making it simple and rewarding for homeowners to take action."
Building South Africa’s energy resilience
By equipping households with tools to evaluate and improve energy usage, this programme transforms energy efficiency into a tangible, actionable goal. The more homes participate, the richer the available data for future planning, easing pressure on the national power grid and fostering energy security.
"When households act, the nation moves forward,” concludes Mkhacwa. “This is how we create a cleaner, more reliable energy future – one home at a time."
Get your home rated
Getting your energy and carbon rating is simple. Email LookSeeCertificate@standardbank.co.za to start the process. Within weeks, homeowners will receive an official rating, along with tailored insights for improvement.
Click HERE to learn more about Standard Bank’s solutions and how they can support your business or personal journey towards a sustainable future
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